Vistry to Deliver 149 New Homes at Simpson Park, Bircotes
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, is set to deliver 149 high-quality new homes at Simpson Park in Bircotes. The development will form part of a major regeneration project that is transforming the former Harworth Colliery site into a vibrant new residential community.
The scheme will include a mix of open market and affordable homes, reinforcing Vistry’s commitment to delivering sustainable communities that cater to a wide range of housing needs.
Transforming a Former Colliery into a Thriving Community
Simpson Park spans approximately 173 acres and represents one of the most significant regeneration projects in the region. Once home to the historic Harworth Colliery, the site is being redeveloped into a modern neighbourhood comprising more than 1,600 homes.
Vistry has acquired a key parcel of land within the wider Simpson Park development, positioning itself as an important contributor to the site’s long-term vision. The regeneration of former industrial land into high-quality housing not only enhances the local landscape but also supports economic growth and community development in Bircotes and the surrounding areas.
The transformation of former brownfield land into residential communities is a crucial component of the UK’s housing strategy. Projects like Simpson Park breathe new life into disused industrial sites, preserving greenfield land while revitalising local economies and creating new opportunities for residents.
A Balanced Housing Mix: 89 Open Market and 60 Affordable Homes
The 149 homes to be delivered by Vistry will feature a carefully considered tenure mix designed to meet diverse local housing needs.
- 89 homes will be available on the open market under Vistry’s well-established Bovis Homes brand.
- 60 homes will be designated as affordable housing and forward sold to Sage Homes, England’s largest provider of newly built affordable homes.
This mixed-tenure approach ensures that the development offers opportunities for a broad spectrum of buyers and renters, from first-time buyers and growing families to those in need of social rent housing.
By combining private and affordable homes within the same development, Vistry continues to promote inclusive communities where residents from different backgrounds can live side by side. This integrated approach also supports local authorities in addressing housing shortages and reducing waiting lists.
Partnership with Sage Homes to Deliver Affordable Housing
A key component of the Simpson Park scheme is Vistry’s collaboration with Sage Homes, which will acquire the 60 affordable units.
As England’s largest provider of newly built affordable housing, Sage Homes plays a crucial role in increasing access to quality homes for people who might otherwise struggle to secure suitable accommodation. The homes at Simpson Park will include social rent properties aimed at individuals and families on the local authority’s housing waiting list.
The forward sale agreement ensures that affordable homes are delivered efficiently and aligned with local housing requirements. This partnership model enables Vistry to maintain momentum on-site while ensuring that affordable housing is integrated seamlessly into the development.
Alex Dawkins, Acquisitions Director at Sage Homes, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating that the organisation is pleased to extend its partnership with Vistry and proud to provide much-needed social rent homes for the local community.
Planning Permission Secured and Work Underway
Full planning permission has been secured for Vistry’s phase of development at Simpson Park, enabling construction to commence immediately.
Work is already well advanced across the wider 173-acre site, with more than 800 homes either completed or currently under construction. This progress demonstrates the scale and momentum of the regeneration effort.
The readiness of infrastructure and ongoing construction activity across the broader site provides a strong foundation for Vistry’s 149-home phase. As the development continues to take shape, new residents will benefit from a growing, established community environment rather than moving into an isolated early-stage site.
Strengthening a Growing Partnership with Harworth Group
Vistry’s involvement at Simpson Park further strengthens its relationship with Harworth Group, the master developer behind the regeneration of the former colliery site.
This marks the second site Vistry has acquired from Harworth Group. In addition, the two companies are collaborating on a third development, highlighting an expanding strategic partnership built on shared regeneration objectives.
Andrew Poyner, Managing Director of Vistry West Yorkshire, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to such a significant regional project. He emphasised the importance of transforming a former industrial site into a thriving new community and underlined Vistry’s commitment to working with trusted partners to deliver high-quality homes.
By maintaining strong relationships with landowners and regeneration specialists such as Harworth Group, Vistry is well-positioned to play a continued role in delivering large-scale residential schemes across the region.
Supporting Regional Regeneration and Economic Growth
The Simpson Park development is not only about housing delivery—it also represents a broader regeneration strategy aimed at revitalising the local area.
Large-scale residential projects generate employment opportunities during construction and stimulate long-term economic benefits once completed. New communities bring increased demand for local services, retail, education, and infrastructure, supporting sustainable growth.
For Bircotes and the surrounding region, the redevelopment of the former Harworth Colliery signals a shift from industrial heritage to a modern residential future. By providing a range of housing options, including affordable homes, the project ensures that residents can directly benefit from the area’s transformation.
Commitment to Mixed-Tenure Development
Vistry’s business model is built around delivering mixed-tenure communities that combine open market sale homes with affordable housing solutions. This approach aligns with national and local housing priorities, ensuring developments are both commercially viable and socially responsible.
Through brands such as Bovis Homes and partnerships with providers like Sage Homes, Vistry can offer a diverse product range tailored to local demand. The Simpson Park scheme reflects this strategy, delivering a balanced mix that supports inclusivity and long-term community stability.
As construction progresses, Simpson Park will continue to evolve into a vibrant new neighbourhood. With more than 800 homes already completed or underway and Vistry’s 149-home phase now commencing, the project is steadily moving toward its goal of delivering over 1,600 homes in total.
The collaboration between Vistry, Sage Homes, and Harworth Group underscores the importance of partnership in delivering successful regeneration projects. By combining expertise in housebuilding, affordable housing provision, and land regeneration, the companies are creating a sustainable and inclusive community on a once-derelict industrial site.
The Simpson Park development stands as a strong example of how thoughtful planning, strategic partnerships, and mixed-tenure delivery can transform former brownfield land into a thriving residential destination that benefits both current and future generations.
SOURCE LINK: https://www.vistry.co.uk/
